Waqar brushes aside rumours of disharmony in team

Pakistan captain Waqar Younis brushed aside speculations that there
was disharmony among the players saying his team lost because it
played poorly.

"There is no disharmony in the team neither am I at odds with the
selectors over the selection of the team," Waqar said in a post-match
conference while trying to put up a brave face.

"We can't decide by one defeat that the team is not united. I would
say the team selected for the match was a unanimous decision and the
players did support me," he said, while stressing that the defeat was
a result of bad cricket his team played throughout the match.

"I am pretty satisfied with the cooperation of my players. Winning and
losing is part of the game," he repeated.

There is disagreement amongst the team management and the captain over
the exclusion of Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq for the Asian Test
Championship final.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is to investigate reasons for the
defeat and if there is any truth in the reports of disharmony.

Waqar blamed his batsmen and bowlers for not putting up a decent
performance. "The batsmen didn't hang in there and failed to build
partnerships by losing wicket oneafter another. I think we should have
scored 350 to 400 on this track. "Then the bowlers bowled at both
sides of the wicket. I think if we had bowled properly, we would have
not missed any bowler," he said, referring to controversial exclusion
of Wasim and Saqlain, adding: "We spilled chances at crucial stages of
the game."

Waqar said one-off Test was always difficult and added that his team
had not been playing enough cricket at home to prepare a winning
combination. "The series against New Zealand and Australia will
provide us a better chance to prepare and bounce back after a poor
show since they would be full series."

The Pakistan captain said although it was disappointing to lose the
Test, plus points can be picked from the game. "I think the best thing
that happened was the return to form of Inzamam-ul-Haq who had a lean
period lately. Then I think Shoaib Malik showed a lot of character and
discipline by hanging in there."

Pakistan coach Mudassar Nazar, when asked where the team would go from
here particularly after losing sixth Test in 14 Tests at home, said:
"We will go to Sharjah and I think we are fortunate to go straight
there since it is a happy hunting ground for us. We are happy to be
going where we are strong."

The former Test opener defended Shahid Afridi and Yousuf Youhana under
those conditions.

"I must commend Shahid Afridi for playing a sensible and responsible
innings despite being an aggressive batsman. He made one error and
paid the price. "As regards Yousuf, his most productive area is
between mid-on and mid-wicket. But I think he was foxed by Muttiah
Muralitharan when he attempted a similar shot off a delivery that
stayed straight."

Mudassar admitted that he was concerned with the openers problem but
ruled out sweeping changes in the team for Sharjah.

Waqar and Mudassar were unanimous in saying that Saeed Anwar's absence
was badly felt as he was a class act and when firing all guns blazing,
the bowlers run for cover.

Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya said he was glad that his team
kept the momentum going by winning nine Tests in a row.

"The players did what was expected of them and I am happy that they
are realizing their responsibilities. "The plus point of my team is
that they have the ability to adjust to the conditions quickly which
is so vital to the outcome of the team and performance."

Jayasuriya said the victory was a morale-booster for the team that
makes its first-ever full tour to England this summer. He attributed
the success to a team effort but singled out Kumar Sangakkara and
Muttiah Muralitharan for their performance. "It is always essential to
post a big total to pressurize the opponents. I think we did exactly
that."

He said days when Sri Lankan batting was the strong point of his team
were gone. "I think we are as formidable and penetrative in bowling as
in our batting."

ABOUT COOKIES

We use cookies to help make this website better, to improve our services and for advertising purposes. You can learn more about our use of cookies and change your browser settings in order to avoid cookies by clicking here. Otherwise, we'll assume you are OK to continue.